Ascentis Learner Awards Winners and Finalists
Ascentis is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Access to Higher Education (HE) Excellence Awards and the prestigious Ascentis Learner of the Year Award, celebrating the outstanding achievements, dedication and resilience of learners across the country.
The annual awards recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their studies, overcome significant challenges and made a positive impact within their learning communities. The awards highlight the transformative power of education and the vital role that it plays in helping adult learners achieve their ambitions.
Ascentis Outstanding Learner of the Year
Winner: Joshua Coleman, Lifeworks College
One of the judges said “We were incredibly impressed by this learner’s remarkable journey and the profound impact they have made both within college and in their wider community. Their progress over the past three years has been exceptional, demonstrating resilience, determination and a commitment to personal growth that has exceeded all expectations. Through their studies, they have developed invaluable independence, confidence and life skills, achieving milestones that once seemed out of reach. What truly distinguished this learner was their extraordinary kindness, empathy and ability to enrich the lives of others. Whether supporting elderly residents in a care home, building meaningful relationships through their work placement, or contributing positively to college life, they consistently demonstrate compassion, warmth and a genuine desire to help those around them. Learner 7 embodies everything this award represents and is a truly deserving winner whose achievements inspire everyone who has had the privilege of knowing them.”
Finalist: Abida Parveen, Oldham Lifelong Learning Service
One of the judges said “We were deeply impressed by this learner’s outstanding commitment to learning, personal development and community service. Their progress in English language learning since arriving in the UK has been remarkable, demonstrating resilience, determination and a genuine passion for education. Despite managing significant personal challenges, they have maintained exceptional attendance, embraced every learning opportunity and made rapid progress in developing their confidence and independence. What particularly stood out was their dedication to supporting others through extensive volunteering within their community, where they serve as a role model for both young people and fellow learners. The positive impact they have made, alongside their ambition to continue developing their skills and helping others, made them an exceptionally strong contender. This award is a testament to their achievements and they should be incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.”
Access to HE Excellence Awards
This year’s Access to HE Excellence Award winners have each shown remarkable determination and academic excellence while balancing personal, professional, and family commitments. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to current and future learners embarking on their own educational journeys.
Outstanding Academic Achievement
Winner: Alice Senior, Blackpool and The Fylde College
One of the judges said “This learner has consistently demonstrated outstanding academic performance. They exhibit exceptionally high-level skills, applying their knowledge effectively across a wide range of assessment methods and formats. Their ability to maintain such excellence, while managing other responsibilities, reflects remarkable dedication and commitment to their studies, making them a highly deserving recipient of this award.”
Finalist: Emily Hockerday, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
One of the judges said “This learner’s extraordinary academic ability is evident in their achievements. To earn 45 Distinctions across three exceptionally difficult subjects demonstrates this learner’s gift to apply high standards of academic rigour. Their intellectual curiosity and commitment to mastering their subject is proven in their active engagement in seeking out feedback, advice, and guidance. Understanding the advantage this will give them in their future academic studies is going to ensure that they succeed to a very high degree. Together this all shows that this learner has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.”
Outstanding Commitment to Study
Winner: Jade Holland, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
One of the judges said “This learner’s journey represents the very essence of outstanding commitment. As judges, we were deeply moved by the courage, resilience and determination they have shown in overcoming significant personal adversity while pursuing their educational goals. Their transformation from a hesitant and anxious learner into a confident, successful student preparing for university is truly remarkable. What sets them apart is not only their academic achievement, but their unwavering commitment to personal growth, recovery, and supporting others through their own experiences. They embody the transformative power of education and demonstrate that perseverance, self-belief and compassion can create lasting change. Their story is inspirational, and they are a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.”
Finalist: Hayley James, Accrington and Rossendale College (East Lancs Learning Group)
One of the judges said “This individual has shown exceptional commitment to study, resilience, and determination in the face of significant personal and academic challenges. Leaving school without GCSEs in 2009, they took proactive steps to improve their future by committing to their education whilst adapting to their changing circumstances. Their decision to return to education as an adult learner required considerable sacrifice, yet they have excelled academically, consistently striving for high standards and actively seeking feedback. Their commitment is evident in their ability to study in any environment and make use of every opportunity to learn, while also supporting their eldest daughter through her GCSEs. This reflects not only dedication to their own success but a deep commitment to education within their family. They deserve to win this award because they embody perseverance, ambition, and an unwavering commitment to learning. Their journey is an inspiring example of how determination and hard work can overcome adversity, making them a truly outstanding candidate.
The standard of nominations received this year was exceptionally high, showcasing the breadth of talent, ambition, and achievement among Ascentis learners nationwide. One of the judges noted “It’s been a real honour to be a judge for the Ascentis Learner Awards. The learner nominations evidenced incredible commitment, resilience and passion, along with a genuine willingness to support others and make a difference in their communities.”
Ascentis extends its congratulations to all finalists and winners and thanks colleges, training providers, tutors and support staff for their ongoing dedication to learner success.
The Ascentis Learner of the Year Award and Access to HE Excellence Awards continue to celebrate the outstanding individuals whose determination and achievement embody the spirit of lifelong learning and educational opportunity.
